'This scoundrel also looks like a rat!' - Lamine Yamal compared to Lionel Messi by Real Mallorca boss after inspiring Barcelona to victory

The 16-year-old curled in a fine effort to secure Barca a 1-0 win at home to Mallorca on Friday to keep their La Liga title defence alive. His display earned him a comparison to former Blaugrana star Messi by the former Atletico Madrid manager.

After the game, he told reporters, via Spanish publication Marca: "I saw Messi when he was with the Barça youth team. I saw him for five minutes and he was a rat, he didn't stop scoring goals. This scoundrel also looks like a rat. He's young, they work well with young people here and if he continues like this he'll go give many more joys at Can Barça".

The teenager's winner took his tally to six goals for the season in all competitions, plus seven assists. Barca will need to manage his development to get the best out of him and keep him grounded. Aside from that, the result saw Barca leapfrog Girona into second and close the gap to leaders Real Madrid to five points.

Barcelona, who could be eight points behind Madrid if they beat Celta Vigo on Sunday, are next in action on Tuesday when they take on Napoli in the second leg of their last 16 Champions League match, with the tie currently at 1-1.